Yes it’s a “when” not an “if”. It’s part of everyday life. I have to say I find it difficult and avoid it where I can. Maybe if I can accept that conflict is to some extent a celebration of the diversity of people I can see it differently. Am interested in what comments will come on this question.

I haven’t been remembering them for a while. Writing something down when I’m half asleep at 4am doesn’t really appeal to me.

I was thinking something the other day and this question reminded me. One of my legs doesn’t function as well as the other. Not in a big way but I notice it. And I get annoyed with it. But then I realise it’s kept me upright for fifty odd years. Keeping me upright all this time – pretty good. Well done, leg.

I started reading in reverse order and got to the answer that I was thinking which is Kevin’s. Feelings are generally repeatable. However what also occurred to me was that my range of feelings is probably quite limited. There are probably many hundreds. So it prompted me to want to explore that much bigger menu. Then when I do breathe my last I will have tasted much.

As well as the thoughts already posted, experiencing a little more “yes” than “should”. I tend to lean towards expecting that the moments should be a particular way. I haven’t fully persuaded my ego that it’s not in control. Life’s moments will happen regardless!

When hit with the challenges of life I become more convinced of the opportunity for deep transformation. Heeding that advice from the heart has led me to many interesting things. Related to that is the advice of throwing lots of things against the wall. Something will stick. Am still doing that with some really interesting outcomes. If i think of all the things that don’t stick I would get into a discouraged state. Instead I see the fun of all the possibilities.

Just at this moment I am in the presence of pain of another, my senior dog. He’s on plenty of meds which is enough for him to enjoy the last of his retirement. Still loves his food but he’s no spring chicken.

It starts with taking a breath and realising I’m alive. Then noticing my five senses are working. Then I can get out of bed and walk..And l can eat, drink and be sheltered. That already makes me so fortunate, before I add in all the rest of my privileged life. But then I need to stop the comparison any further as measuring against other privileged people leads to pain.

My phone, a beautiful piece of engineering, giving me the pleasure of experiencing vicariously all the beauty in these comments.

Is it possible to truly live a deeply spiritual life and never take risks? I don’t think so. Travelling into the unknown and unknowable has its risks. For me the rational and incessantly thinking mind is sometimes not happy being there: it’s uncertain. I like a good map, compass and clear weather when I hike. Travelling in a spiritual sense can be pretty misty and have limited navigational aids available.

Is it me or are these questions getting very difficult? Am struggling to recall an instance to support this question. I don’t “do” vulnerable well I have to admit. I find it difficult to untangle it from weakness. I’ll be very interested to hear other perspectives. As with Christina I don’t like it.

Yes that’s it for me. The biggest barrier is how I relate to myself in this. Self compassion doesn’t always flow freely!

Kevin’s answer pretty much nails it for me.

I really like that, Antoinette. Who wrote it?

Best wishes, Kevin. I hope the op gets you some relief

I’m with you on this, Michael. I lost mine a couple of months back. She was very old but still a loss. I have found perspective and I have what I can only describe as a very warm feeling around her.

I agree, Deb. Scanning awareness and making adjustments : larger ones in my case!

Thanks Aine. I’m obviously getting tripped up on semantics.